2000 Kia sportage HOLD warning light. What would cause this light to start flashing. The manual says it's the automatic transmission is in a hold mode. What does that mean and what causes it to do that.

It could indicate an electrical problem or a low ATF situation. Also, on the side of the shift lever there is a button. when going uphill you can push this button and it keeps the transmission from shifting out. When this is engaged "Hold" appears on the instrument panel.

Save yourself some stress and get Auto Zone or other to retrieve the error codes stored on your ECM. This should tell you what the problem is.

When I was troubleshooting my car and unplugged the MAF, the HOLD light came on. Maybe when the car goes in LIMP mode it also turns on HOLD??? I couldn't get the light to go off until I reconnected the MAF sensor.

I did notice that I was low on ATF though. Looks like I need to replace the pan gasket.